Hi everyone, I’m Dr. Priya, a family medicine doctor in a bustling rural hospital in beautiful Sri Lanka. My days are hectic—imagine juggling over 100 patients a day! But amidst the chaos, I find great joy in empowering mothers, especially regarding breastfeeding. It’s one of those things that sounds simple (it’s natural, right?), but often comes with its fair share of challenges.
Let me share a story from just last week. A lovely new mom, Shanika, came into my clinic with her newborn. She was flustered, her baby was fussing, and her face clearly said, “Help me!” She sighed and said, “Dr. Priya, I think I’m doing something wrong. My breasts are so hard and painful, and my baby can’t latch properly. And worse, I’m worried he’s not getting enough milk. What’s wrong with me?”
I smiled, handed her a cup of tea (always a good start here in Sri Lanka), and told her to take a deep breath. “You’re not doing anything wrong,” I reassured her. “What you’re experiencing is super common—it’s called engorgement, and we’re going to get through it together.”
What Exactly Is Engorgement?
Here’s what I explained to Shanika—and what every breastfeeding mom should know.
A few days after you give birth, your milk supply officially kicks in, and your breasts can become swollen, hard, and tender. It feels a bit like they’ve turned into coconuts (and not the gentle kind you see swaying in the breeze). This is called engorgement, and it happens because there’s an increased flow of blood and other fluids to your breasts, along with milk production. It’s your body’s way of preparing to feed your baby—but yes, it can feel uncomfortable.
Shanika nodded slowly, her tea forgotten. “Okay, that makes sense. But what do I do about it? It’s so painful!”
How to Manage Engorgement
I told Shanika, “Don’t worry; there are several things you can do to relieve the discomfort and get things flowing smoothly.” Here’s the advice I shared, step by step:
- Feed on Demand from Day One
Breastfeed your baby whenever they’re hungry, especially in the early days. This could mean 8–12 feeds in 24 hours. The more often your baby feeds, the more balanced your milk production becomes. - Let Your Baby Finish One Side Before Switching
Always let your baby finish feeding on one breast before offering the other. This ensures they get the rich, fatty milk at the end of the feed, which is essential for their growth. - Soften Your Breast Before Feeding
If your baby struggles to latch onto a hard, engorged breast, express a little milk first—just enough to soften the area. You can use your hands or a pump for this. - Use Warm Compresses or Showers
Applying a warm compress or standing under a warm shower can help get the milk flowing. This can be especially helpful if you’re feeling particularly full or if there are lumps in your breast. - Cool It Down After Feeds
To reduce swelling after feeds, use cold compresses. Fun fact: some moms swear by cold, washed cabbage leaves! Pop them in the fridge and place them on your breasts between feeds. Just make sure to leave space for your nipples. - Gentle Massage
If you feel lumps in your breast, gently massage them toward the nipple while feeding. This can help prevent blockages and improve milk flow. - Wake Baby If Needed
If your baby sleeps for longer than four hours, it’s okay to wake them for a feed—or express milk to relieve discomfort. - Pain Relief
For severe discomfort, you can take ibuprofen or paracetamol. These are safe for breastfeeding mothers and can help take the edge off.
When Milk Supply Seems Low
As Shanika and I chatted, she raised another worry: “What if my milk isn’t enough for my baby?” This is a common concern, especially among first-time moms. But let me tell you what I told her—true low milk supply is rare. Your body is built for this! Most issues with milk supply are caused by stress, poor latching, or infrequent feeding, and these can be addressed.
Here are some tips to boost your milk supply if you’re feeling unsure:
- Relax and Trust Your Body
Stress is a big killer of milk supply. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation. Play your favorite music or take a moment to cuddle your baby skin-to-skin. - Feed More Often
The more you feed, the more milk your body will produce. It’s a simple case of supply and demand. - Skin-to-Skin Contact
Hold your baby close, skin-to-skin, as often as possible. This stimulates milk production and strengthens your bond with your baby. - Express Milk After Feeds
If your baby doesn’t completely empty your breasts during a feed, use a pump or hand expression to remove the remaining milk. This signals your body to produce more. - Eat Well and Stay Hydrated
As I told Shanika, “You’re making milk, not magic! Eat a balanced diet, drink plenty of water, and rest whenever you can.”
A Happy Ending
A week later, Shanika was back in my clinic, looking much more confident. “Dr. Priya, it’s like you said. The swelling is gone, and my baby is feeding well. I feel so much better!”
Hearing her say that made my day. Breastfeeding isn’t always easy, but with the right support and information, it becomes a beautiful, rewarding experience.A Final Word from Dr. Priya
To all the mothers out there: you are not alone. Breastfeeding has its ups and downs, but remember, your body is amazing. It knows how to nourish your baby, and you’ll find your rhythm with patience and persistence.
And to all my fellow Sri Lankans, let’s continue to promote health and knowledge across our communities. Together, we can ensure that every mother feels supported and every baby thrives.
Got questions about breastfeeding or parenting? Drop me a message or check out more articles on my blog, Nirogi Lanka. We’re in this together!